One source tells me the move was in keeping with owners' desire to move a bit downscale in keeping with the economy, which is clearly not Konefal's bailiwick. Among other changes, expect a new lower-priced prix fixe menu. (I must admit, the prices did keep me from visiting more often.)

I'm also assuming that his wife who was the pastry chef left also? This is very surprising, I hope the replacement keeps the kitchen running at a high standard because this is one of my favorite places to eat in the city currently, a great addition to the neighborhood.

I find it hard to believe that they invested much in him, other than to their publicist. They don't have enough seats to pay a chef big bucks, and I doubt they're a S corp, so their investors probably want to see a profit.